Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Member of Parliament for Bantama and Chairman of the Kumasi Bloc of Parliament, has called for urgent and comprehensive urban planning reforms to address recurring disasters, particularly market fires, in the city.
He stated that over the years, Kumasi has struggled with issues such as poor land use planning, crime, unemployment, and inefficient waste management.
According to the Former Minister of Roads and Highways, a major concern has been the frequency of market fires, which have caused devastating losses to traders and businesses, citing the recent fire at Kumasi Central Market in Adum which destroyed numerous properties, leaving many families without a source of income as an example.
Speaking at the Kumasi Dialogue on Monday, he emphasized the need to enforce land use regulations, upgrade waste management systems, and introduce stringent safety standards to safeguard public spaces.
“We must advocate for robust urban planning measures that enforce land use regulations, upgrade our waste management systems, and introduce stringent safety standards,” he stated.
According to him, Kumasi’s rapid urbanization demands modern infrastructure that can withstand growing challenges and ensure the safety of markets, homes, and public spaces.
“These frequent market fires reveal both the potential and systemic challenges that must be addressed,” Asenso-Boakye remarked adding “They serve as stark reminders that our urban planning, infrastructure, and enforcement regime must be critically examined if we are to secure a prosperous future for our historic city.”
He stressed that inadequate planning and weak regulatory enforcement have exacerbated these disasters, with blocked access routes and unregulated structures preventing emergency services from responding effectively. Firefighters, in particular, have faced difficulties navigating congested market areas, resulting in greater destruction and loss of livelihoods.
“These tragedies are avoidable and deeply regrettable, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they never recur,” he said.
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